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Updated 12 February 2021; To begin use with N790/791 course Spring 2021
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Project Handbook
Preparing advanced practice nurses with the highest level of knowledge,
skills, and abilities to provide innovative leadership and evidence based
practice across the healthcare continuum.
Pacific Lutheran University
School of Nursing
12180 Park Avenue S.
Tacoma, WA
www.plu.edu/nursing
Phone: 253-535-7672
February 2021
DNP Project Handbook 1
Table of Contents
1. Letter from Dean
2. Letter from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
3. Overview
4. Background: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project
5. Setting up for Success
6. Types of DNP Projects
7. DNP Project Planning & Development
Sakai Site
Checklist
Question Development
Proposal
DNP Project Chair
DNP Project Team
Responsibilities of DNP Project Team Members
PLU Human Participants Review Board
8. Implementation & Evaluation
Experience Hours
9. Dissemination
Final DNP Project Book
Final DNP Project Poster
Final DNP Project Presentation
DNP Project Manuscript
Final Steps
Repository
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Making Changes after HPRB
Process for Changing Team Members
Process for Changing Topics
Process for Changing Location
11. Appendices
DNP Project Handbook 2
A Project Development Tool
B DNP Project Checklist
C Proposal Content
D Proposal Evaluation Form
E Proposal Approval Form
F Team Member Appointment Form
G Poster Requirements
H DNP Final Project Book Requirements
I DNP Project Presentation Slide Theme
J Final DNP Project Evaluation Form
K Final DNP Approval Form
L Embargo Form
DNP Project Handbook 3
Letter from the Dean
The faculty are committed to your development as a highly skilled and compassionate advanced
practice nurse. You will receive excellent mentoring and support during your program where you
will be challenged to grow as a professional. Through your DNP projects, you will gain new skills
that will develop you as leaders in nursing.
Barbara Haberman, PhD, RN
Letter from Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
As a Doctoral prepared advanced practice nurse, you will be asked to lead organizations, develop
new programs, and create innovative treatment protocols. The skills you develop during your
DNP project will provide you with the tools you need to be successful in this role. Your project
may be the foundation for a lifetime of scholarship in this area. We are excited to be part of your
academic journey and look forward to working with you as you progress through the program.
Kathy Richardson, DNP, ARNP
DNP Project Handbook 4
Overview
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as a terminal
degree option for nursing that is the “…preferred pathway for those seeking preparation at the
highest level of nursing practice” (AACN, 2015). This handbook is meant as a guiding force as
you prepare for and progress through the process of your DNP Project. It will articulate the
requirements at the stages of development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of the
DNP Project. The DNP is an academic degree, not a role; therefore, students must complete the
academic and clinical requirements for their focused area of clinical practice, or already have an
advanced nursing practice degree. All students receiving the DNP degree, Post-Master’s or Post
Baccalaureate, are required to complete a project, complete all DNP clinical hours and submit all
requirements prior to graduation.
These requirements are developed in alignment with AACN’s The Essentials of Doctoral
Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006), and Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current
Issues and Clarifying Recommendations (2015), standards from professional organizations, such
as the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), and current evidence-
based practice.
This document will be reviewed annually.
DNP Project Handbook 5
Background: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project
All students enrolled in the DNP Program will complete a DNP Project as a requirement for
graduation. The DNP Coursework and DNP Project contribute to meeting the requirements of
the DNP Essentials.
AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice:
I. Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
II. Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems
Thinking
III. Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
IV. Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement
and Transformation of Health Care
V. Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care
VI. Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health
Outcomes
VII. Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s Health
VIII. Advanced Nursing Practice
The DNP project is an opportunity to put the knowledge from theoretical coursework into action.
The project demonstrates clinical scholarship and is encouraged to have “…innovation in the
design and dissemination … to reflect the changing healthcare environment” (AACN, 2015).
The DNP Essentials should be considered while planning the project; however, all eight
essentials do not need to be demonstrated in the DNP Project.
Although the AACN provides some support for Group/Team Projects, PLU does not. All
projects will be the sole work of one DNP student.
DNP Project Handbook 6
Recommended Textbooks (DNP Project)
The following table describes commonly recommended textbooks for DNP Students starting the
DNP Project process. These may have been required in previous courses. Additional textbooks
may be required by individual faculty, this list is not all-encompassing.
Garrard, J. (2016). Health sciences
literature review made easy: The
matrix method (5th ed.). Burlington,
MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
This book is invaluable for
organizing the literature review and ensuring all
resources are managed.
Moran, D., Burson, R., & Conrad,
D. (2017). The Doctor of Nursing
Practice scholarly project: A
framework for success (3rd ed.).
Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett
Learning.
Reference for the scope of the DNP Project.
Takes the student through using the DNP
Essentials to inform the Project.
Dearholt, S. & Dang, D.
(2012). Johns Hopkins nursing
evidence-based practice model
and guidelines (2nd ed.).
Indianapolis, IN: Sigma.
Guides the student through the process of
developing a clinical question, evidence
appraisal, and assembling a table of evidence.
The appendix contains key worksheets used
when planning the project.
White, K., Dudley-Brown, S.,
& Terhaar, M. (2016).
Translation of evidence into
nursing and health care (2nd
ed.). New York, NY: Springer
Publishing Company.
Talks about the top 15 methods for translating
research. Helps students develop thoughts on
intervention and evaluation plans.
Rousch, K. (2019). A nurse’s
step-by-step guide to writing a
dissertation or scholarly
project (2nd ed.). Indianapolis,
IN: Sigma.
Critical to the actual writing
process. Offers chapter
summaries to ensure students
write clearly and articulate the elements of their
project.
Oermann, M. & Hays, J.
(2019). Writing for
Publication in Nursing (4th
ed.). New York, NY: Springer
Publishing Company.
In-depth writing resource for
nurses for writing evidence-
based research papers and journal articles, and
preparing manuscripts for publication.
DNP Project Handbook 7
DNP Project Handbook 8
Setting up for Success
Think about the following keys for success
Have I …
1. Set up my writing space? Do you have a dedicated space to do work?
2. Scheduled dedicated writing times? Set aside time to work on your calendar?
3. Discussed the scope of the project and time required with your family?
4. Read sample DNP Project Papers?
5. Reviewed the requirements for PLU’s DNP Project?
6. Set up a Google Docs account?
7. Written a clear, focused purpose statement?
8. Made an appointment with a research librarian?
9. Set up a bibliographic software account?
10. Considered hiring an editor?
Adapted from (Rousch, 2019)
DNP Project Handbook 9
Types of DNP Projects
AACN (2006) recognizes that the final DNP product should serve as a foundation for future
scholarly practice. The DNP is a practice doctorate, and as such the DNP Project should
demonstrate mastery of the chosen area of practice. According to the AACN (2015) White
Paper, Current Issues and Clarification Recommendations all DNP Projects should:
a. Focus on a change that impacts healthcare outcomes either through direct or indirect care.
b. Have a systems (micro-, meso-, or macro- level) or population/aggregate focus.
c. Demonstrate implementation in the appropriate arena or area of practice.
d. Include a plan for sustainability (e.g. financial, systems or political realities, not only
theoretical abstractions).
e. Include an evaluation of processes and/or outcomes (formative or summative). DNP
Projects should be designed so that processes and/or outcomes will be evaluated to guide
practice and policy. Clinical significance is as important in guiding practice as statistical
significance is in evaluating research.
f. Provide a foundation for future practice scholarship.
The DNP Project may take many forms. Moran, et al. (2014), in Chapter 6, Figure 6-3, lists the
following examples of types of DNP Scholarly Projects:
● Quality improvement
● Translating evidence into practice
● Clinical or practice-based inquiry
● Program development and evaluation
● Demonstration project
● Healthcare policy
● Generating new evidence,
knowledge, or theory
● Describing a phenomenon
All DNP Projects, regardless of their type, must include the following 4 stages: Planning,
Implementation, Evaluation, and Dissemination. (AACN, 2015)
DNP Project Handbook 10
DNP Question Development
Students should prepare a DNP Question Development Tool (Appendix A) before the first
Translating Research class per request from faculty. This document ensures that the student has
thoughtfully engaged in the process and has an idea of an organization that would value a
potential DNP Project. Students are not to establish the site arrangement and should not enter
into any obligatory contracts.
DNP Project Planning & Development
For some students the planning phase for the DNP Project may have begun even before they
arrived on campus to start classes. For others it will have been developed over the first two years
of the program.
You will focus your DNP Project during the Proposal Seminar that is taken in conjunction with
Translating Research.
DNP Students will take five DNP Project Specific Courses. These courses are primarily
independent study while working with the DNP Project Chair. There will be assignments due
with each course and the student is responsible for working with the DNP Project Chair to meet
the objectives of each semester. The syllabus for each course is available on the Sakai Site
specific to the course
DNP Project Sakai Site
Similar to other courses, a DNP Project Sakai Site for each semester will be available for faculty
and students to facilitate communication, submission of deliverable products, and reference
resources.
DNP Project Checklist
The DNP Project Checklist (Appendix B) is provided as a tool to help keep students on track as
they progress through their project. This will be required to be turned in as an assignment
periodically.
Proposal
All DNP students enrolled in Translating Research and Proposal Seminar will present their DNP
Project Proposals during Proposal Week, in an open forum, to a committee of 2-3 Doctorally
prepared Nurse faculty. Once the initial proposal is approved, the DNP Student will be assigned
a Doctorally prepared Nurse Faculty Chair for their DNP Project Team. If students are not
prepared or fail to pass the proposal presentation, the student will receive an incomplete grade
for N791 Proposal Seminar and will need to schedule a new proposal forum before moving into
the next DNP Project course.
DNP Project Handbook 11
The proposal content is outlined in Appendix C and will be evaluated based on the DNP Project
Proposal Evaluation Form Appendix D.
The proposal approval from Proposal Week is a preliminary approval. The student must also
receive approval from their assigned Chair and selected Committee, DNP Project Site, and
HPRB/IRB before implementing any aspect of the DNP Project. The student should work with
their DNP Project Chair and committee to determine an appropriate method of acquiring site
approval for the proposal. This approval will be submitted as an appendix within the final DNP
Project Book.
If the project site does not approve the project, these steps must be repeated until the proposal is
formally approved. This may delay the DNP student from progressing forward in the DNP
Project courses.
DNP Project Chair
DNP students will be assigned a Doctoral-prepared Nurse Faculty member to be Chair for their
Project Team. This individual will be responsible for the DNP student’s DNP Project Courses –
DNP Project I-IV. The DNP Project chair guides the student through the development,
implementation, evaluation, dissemination, and completion of the project. The DNP Project
Chair may or may not have specific expertise in the student’s DNP Project topic or field. Content
experts may serve on the team or as consultants. The Chair may offer advice and assistance on
selection of other members of the DNP Project Team.
DNP Project Team
The DNP Student is the leader of the DNP Committee and will work directly with all members
of the team to develop and implement all phases of the DNP Project. All projects are required to
have a DNP Chair and at least two additional DNP Team Members – Masters or Doctorally
prepared. The committee may comprise up to 4 people. More than 4 members may cause
difficulty in scheduling meetings, presentations, and follow-up. The recommended number of
team members is 3, in addition to the student. At least 3 committee members must attend the
DNP Final Project Presentation (Defense).
If additional expertise is needed, the student can confer with outside consultants. The word team
or committee may be used interchangeably. This does not change the nature of the relationship.
We recommend that at least one person on the DNP Project Team is from the DNP Project site.
Students will often select a leader, clinical provider, or other colleague they are working with at
the hosting organization.
Carefully review the requirements of the DNP Project Team. DNP Project Team members must
agree in writing to be part of the project. This includes advising, reviewing the proposal,
DNP Project Handbook 12
providing support during the implementation, providing evaluations, and attending final DNP
Project presentations.
Members of the DNP Project Team must sign the PLU DNP Project Team Member Appointment
Form (Appendix E) expressing they are aware of the requirements. The student signs to indicate
they understand the requirement and who is on the team. Any updates to the Team Members will
require an updated form. The form will be submitted to the DNP Clinical Project Coordinator.
Responsibilities of DNP Project Team Members
▪ Student Team Leader
Qualification: Enrollment in appropriate DNP Project Course
1. Maintain consistent and effective communication with DNP Chair and DNP Project
Team.
2. Collaborate with DNP Chair and Team to schedule meetings for advising, proposal
review, and other project related activities.
3. Submit work to the DNP Project Team that demonstrates a high level of leadership and
scholarship.
4. Ensure compliance with all PLU DNP Project requirements and HPRB/IRB
requirements.
▪ DNP Project Chair
Qualification: Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing Faculty Member with Terminal
Degree (DNP, PhD, EdD, etc.)
1. Collaborate with students to schedule team meetings, proposal presentation and review,
and final DNP Project Presentation.
2. Provide guidance and support regarding methods and troubleshooting problems
throughout the DNP Project.
3. Lead DNP Team review and approval of DNP Proposal, DNP Experience Plan, DNP
Project Log, and Final DNP Project Book, presentations, and publications.
4. Approve HPRB submission, mentor student through the planning, development,
implementation, evaluation, and dissemination phases of the DNP Project.
5. Provide support and encouragement to student as they progress toward completion of the
DNP.
6. Encourage and facilitate the process of student communication with committee members.
7. Communicate effectively with team members.
8. Provide written feedback to student on written drafts in a timely manner.
9. Reinforce student’s responsibility as an adult learner.
10. Document student progress toward completion of DNP Project requirements.
DNP Project Handbook 13
11. Mentor faculty who have not previously participated in a DNP Project.
▪ DNP Team Member (at least two, up to three)
Qualification: Master’s or Doctoral Degree in professional field
One will be another academic faculty, preferably Doctorally prepared.
One may be the site facilitator if at least Master’s prepared.
May be a Subject Matter Expert if at least Master’s prepared.
1. Provide guidance and support regarding methods and troubleshooting problems
throughout the DNP Project.
2. Advise and critique drafts of the developing DNP Project Paperwork.
3. Participate in the Team review, approval of the Project Proposal, and Final Project.
4. Provide feedback to student in a timely manner.
5. Communicate concerns to student and DNP Chair in a timely manner.
▪ Subject Matter Expert (as desired)
Qualification: Subject Matter Expert
Not a voting member of the DNP Committee but provides valuable feedback.
1. Provide guidance and support regarding methods and troubleshooting problems
throughout the DNP Project.
2. Advise the developing DNP Project.
6. Provide feedback to student as requested.
7. Communicate concerns to student and DNP Chair in a timely manner.
DNP Project Handbook 14
Human Participants Review Board Requirements (HPRB/IRB)
Students cannot start any part of project implementation until all required HPRB/IRB approvals
are acquired and the DNP Project Chair gives permission.
If there is an IRB/HPRB on site at the project location the student must submit there after the
proposal is reviewed by the Chair and site facilitator. If the project is accepted and approved by
the IRB at the site the student does not need to apply to the PLU HPRB.
All students must show completion of CITI training within the past 3 years prior to submitting to
HPRB; this should have been completed during previous DNP Courses.
PLU’s HPRB uses the online Mentor system to evaluate human subjects research. The link for
the PLU HPRB website can be found at https://www.plu.edu/hprb/. Prior to submitting your
HPRB proposal you can determine if full HPRB is needed by using the pre-proposal diagnostic
survey link located at https://www.plu.edu/hprb/students/qi-projects-nursing/
Step 1: Check if you need HPRB review
Step 2: Consult with a Faculty Supervisor
Step 3: Verify you and your Chair have current CITI training
Step 4: Understand the basics of the HPRB process
Step 5: Understand methodological issues that impact your application
Step 6: Plan for review time
Step 7: Submit your application
Step 8: Respond to HPRB questions/concerns (stipulations)
Step 9: Understand your on-going responsibilities once approved
DNP Project Handbook 15
Implementation
Following Proposal approval and HPRB/IRB approval (as needed) the student may move into
the implementation phase of the DNP Project. This process will vary significantly among
students but should be conducted in line with the proposal and HPRB/IRB submission. Any
changes to the proposal must be submitted as an amendment to HPRB/IRB after approval by the
DNP Project Team.
DNP Hours
The AACN (2015) requires a minimum of 1000 clinical hours beyond the Baccalaureate degree
to meet the DNP Essentials and receive a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree. The hours are
required as part of the academic program and can be acquired through the Specialty Practice
focus and DNP Experience Hours. Students will acquire at least 480 DNP Experience Hours.
DNP Proposal Seminar – 30
DNP Project I – 90
DNP Project II – 120
DNP Project III – 120
DNP Project IV – 120
Students will keep track of their DNP Experience Hours in Typhon and notate a general
overview of the hours activities for each tracking time.
Students in a post-Master’s DNP Status may have to complete more hours depending on the
number of hours in their Master’s preparation. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis
and should be delineated on the Academic Progress Contract. Students will be responsible for
ensuring they acquire the required number of hours.
Experience Hours
The DNP Experience Hours will be acquired through the DNP Project phases. The approval of
DNP Experience Hours is at the discretion of the DNP Project Chair. The activities below are
among activities typically counted as clinical hours. It is not exhaustive; students should speak
with their Chair to determine what will be counted.
▪ Meetings and communication with consultants and content experts
▪ Cluster email communication by week for hours
▪ Meetings with chair/peer group
▪ Presentations to or facilitating work groups related to the DNP Project
▪ Implementation of the project
▪ Grant preparation or funding proposals
▪ Policy work
DNP Project Handbook 16
▪ Project relevant tool development - discuss hours with chair
▪ Site exploration/stakeholder engagement
▪ In-depth work/mentorship with experts
▪ Data Analysis - discuss hours with chair
▪ Integration and synthesis of DNP Essentials
▪ Poster, podium, workshop, or conference preparation related to DNP Project (limited to 5
hours)
▪ Workshop or conference attendance related to DNP Project (limited to 8 hours)
▪ Manuscript (journal article) preparation and submission (limited to 10 hours)
▪ Literature review (limited to 5 hours)
▪ DNP Book Preparation (limited to 10 hours)
▪ GANTT Chart (limited to 1 hour per semester (4 hours total))
▪ Proposal Presentation preparation (limited to 5 hours)
▪ Final & Stakeholder Presentation preparation (limited to 5 hours)
▪ You may not claim paid hours of work
▪ All hours should relate directly to the DNP essentials
Evaluation
The PLU School of Nursing collaborates with other disciplines on campus to provide a
statistician to assist students in various phases of tool development, data management, and data
analysis. The statistician is available via email or in-person to review tools, assist with data
analysis plans, or provide additional information on how to deal with the data the student
collects. This statistician will not perform the data analysis for you.
Dissemination
It is critical that DNP Project outcomes be disseminated. This is done in the academic setting
and beyond, including the practice site, professional conferences, and academic journals.
Students should prepare to disseminate in 5 ways: 1) Final DNP Project Book; 2) Poster for
Nursing Research Day; 3) Final DNP Project Presentation; 4) Manuscript for Publication; 5)
Stakeholder Presentation or dissemination of information to site and facilitator based on site
requirements/request. The Final DNP Project Book may be uploaded into an electronic
repository at PLU.
DNP Publication Manuscript
The DNP Student will create a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal.
This manuscript is significantly different from the DNP final book in format and length. Students
should select a journal for manuscript submission early in the DNP Project process. The student
must use the format identified in the journal section on information for authors. Journals vary in
DNP Project Handbook 17
their requirements for abstracts, manuscript organizations, in-text citations, and references. The
author guidelines should be included in the final draft of the DNP Documents.
Final DNP Project Book
The DNP Student will prepare the Final DNP Project Book according to the instructions
provided in Appendix J.
The student must submit an electronic copy of the Final DNP Project Book to the DNP Project
Team no later than 2 weeks prior to the Final DNP Project Presentation (typically occurs mid to
late April) for review and an opportunity to provide editing recommendations. In addition, the
student should share the final electronic copy with the DNP Project Team no later than 2 days
before the Final DNP Project Presentation.
Poster
The DNP student will apply to present a poster for a professional organization conference (e.g.
WIN, AANP, APNA, ISPN, AAPPN, Sigma, etc.) as well as PLU Nursing Research Day.
Criteria for conference application should be reviewed with Chair prior to submission. The
required template and requirements for the Poster are in Appendix K and L.
The poster will be reviewed by the Chair and peers prior to printing or submission.
Dimensions for the poster will be provided by the organization when a student is accepted to
present. A copy of the poster should be included in the Final DNP Project Book as a pdf.
Final DNP Project Presentation/Defense
The DNP Student is required to give a formal presentation of the DNP Project and
findings/implications for nursing prior to graduation. The presentation is open to the public and
must be scheduled to ensure attendance of the Chair and team. This typically occurs mid to late
April. This timing allows a second presentation or additional time to complete the final Book
and manuscript as needed.
The Final DNP Project Presentation should be in PowerPoint format, using the PLU slide theme
(Appendix L) available on Sakai. The presentation should be 30-45 minutes with between 15-30
minutes of questions from the DNP Team, followed by any public questions. The presentation
will be evaluated using the Final DNP Project Evaluation Form (Appendix M).
At the end of the presentation the DNP Team will deliberate to determine if the DNP student has
met the requirements and complete the DNP Project Presentation Approval Form (Appendix N).
The DNP Chair will indicate whether the DNP student has:
1. Met all DNP Project requirements
2. Meets requirements with minor revisions
DNP Project Handbook 18
3. Does NOT meet DNP Project requirements
The decision is based upon the presentation and does not indicate that the project is complete. It
only indicates the approval/disapproval of the data presented. The student will need to follow up
appropriately and also submit the Final Book with all appendices.
Stakeholder Presentation
Stakeholder Presentation should be provided at the facility unless the stakeholders have
explicitly requested for an alternative. The Stakeholder Presentation should be in PowerPoint
format, using a PLU slide theme (Appendix L) available on Sakai. The student should provide a
15-minute presentation unless requested otherwise by the site.
DNP Final Book
This book is the culminating work containing all aspects of the scholarly journey (Background,
purpose, problem statement, literature review, theoretical framework, methods, findings,
discussion, conclusions, all supporting and required documents). This document is typically 50-
100 pages including references and appendices.
Final Steps
Once the DNP Student has completed the Final DNP Project Presentation there are final steps to
close-out the DNP Project:
➢ Incorporate changes to the Final DNP Project Book as recommended/required by the DNP
Team
➢ Close out the HPRB/IRB (if required)
➢ Present findings/outcomes to clinical site (see above)
➢ Provide all documents in a single Word Document to the Clinical Project Coordinator
Repository
The AACN (2015) recommends establishment of an electronic repository of DNP Projects.
Students and faculty should be aware that the Final Project Book is subject to being posted in
that repository. The DNP Student will have an option to embargo, or choose to delay, the
availability of the document for 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years. Request for Embargo is found on
the Sakai site and in Appendix O.
DNP Project Handbook 19
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I make changes once I have HPRB/IRB approval?
Minor changes can be approved by the HPRB chair or site IRB. Major changes may need
additional review from the Unit Designate in the school of nursing or may require approval from
the full board. You may not use revised procedures or documents until they are approved by the
HPRB/IRB.
What do I do if I need to change my project chair?
In the case that you need to change your project chair, you must go through the DNP committee
and final approval is given by the Graduate Program Director. New signature forms must be
completed and submitted. Signature form is located in the Appendix.
What is the process for changing Committee Members?
Changing committee members requires the approval of your project chair. New signature forms
must be completed. The signatures of the outgoing committee member as well as the new
incoming member is required. Signature form is located in the Appendix.
What is the process for changing topics?
The decision to change the topic of your DNP project once it is underway should not be taken
lightly. It requires approval from your DNP committee and your project chair. This may require
changing members of your DNP committee and obtaining new HPRB approval. In most cases,
this will result in starting over the entire DNP project process. New forms would need to be
completed and submitted.
What is the process for changing the location of my project?
Changing the location of your project needs to be approved by your project chair. If the change
in location does not affect data collection or a change in committee members then no other steps
need to be taken. However, if committee members need to change please refer to the process to
change committee members. If the location change affects the HPRB approval then steps to
amend that also need to be taken.
DNP Project Handbook 20
Appendix A
Question Development Tool
DNP Project Development Tool
Name: _____________________________
Anticipated Grad Year: ______________
Population Track: FNP ___ PMHNP ___
The DNP Project may take many forms. Moran, et al. (2014), in Chapter 6, Figure 6-3, lists the following examples
of types of DNP Scholarly Projects:
● Quality improvement
● Translating evidence into practice
● Clinical or practice-based inquiry
● Program development and evaluation
● Describing a phenomenon
● Demonstration project
● Healthcare policy
● Generating new evidence,
knowledge, or theory
Questions
Responses
Do you have a project site in
mind?
If so, where?
In one or two sentences,
briefly describe an issue you
are interested in addressing.
What type of project idea
could you implement
regarding the issue you chose
What would be the general
goal of the project?
State one objective (that
would be evaluated through
quantitative data) from the
implementation of this project.
How would you evaluate this
objective?
State one objective (that
would be evaluated through
qualitative data) from the
implementation of this project.
How would you evaluate this
objective?
Who are the key stakeholders?
DNP Project Handbook 21
PICOT Question Development (see Evidence Based Practice Article #3)
Choose ONE type of question appropriate for your topic: Therapy/Treatment/Intervention In _________ (Population), what is the effect of ________ (Intervention), in comparison to _______
(Comparative/alternative intervention), on ________ (Outcome), _______(Timeline)?
Diagnosis/Assessment For ________ (Population). Does ______ (Identifying tool/procedure) yield more accurate or more
appropriate diagnostic/assessment information than ______ (Comparative tool/procedure) about _______ (Outcome), _______(Timeline)?
Prognosis For _________ (Population), does _______ (Exposure to disease or condition), relative to _______
(Comparative disease or condition) increase the risk of _______ (Outcome), _______(Timeline)?
Etiology/Harm Does (Influence, exposure, or characteristic) increase the risk of _________ (Outcome) compared
to ______ (Comparative influence, exposure or condition) in ______ (Population), _______(Timeline)?
Description (prevalence/incidence) Explicit comparisons are not typical, except to compare different populations.
Meaning of Process Explicit comparisons are not typical in these type questions.
DNP Project Handbook 22
Appendix B
DNP Project Checklist
This is a guide to planning your Scholarly Project. This timeline lists general activities that are involved
in planning and executing your projects. This timeline is a guide; you need to work out actual dates and
activities with your Project Chair and Committee. Refer to the DNP Handbook for specifics and refer to
your Syllabus for individual class requirements.
DATE
Expected
Activity Time Frame Resources/Notes Completion
Date
Spring N790/791
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapters 1-3
Present Scholarly
Project Proposal:
o Power-point
presentation
(20 minutes)
o Q&A (15
minutes)
o Meet with
student to
provide
approval/
changes
HPRB/IRB Draft
Chair Assignment
Summer N792
Select Committee Complete Committee
Appointment Form
Proposal Approval
from Chair
Proposal Approval
from Site
Submit HPRB/IRB DO NOT start any data
collection prior to
approval
http://www.plu.edu/hprb/
Chair must approve
proposal prior to filing
and signs as Faculty
Supervisor.
Recommend: Identify
Author guidelines for
publishable
manuscript for
selected journal.
DNP Project Handbook 23
Already
complete
CITI training 4 hour online
training
Must be completed prior
to submission of HPRB
protocol.
Implement Project
according to Proposal
and IRB/HPRB
approvals
Fall N793
Implement Project
according to Proposal
and IRB/HPRB
approvals
As
coordinated
Meet weekly with
Chair and peers
Conduct Data
Analysis
~ 1-2 months Dr. Cook is a resource
J-Term N794
Conduct Data
Analysis
~ 1-2 months Dr. Cook is a resource
Spring N799
As
Coordinated
Meet weekly with
Chair and peers
February Apply to graduate
January-
February
Schedule stakeholder
presentation for April
Should plan to present to
stakeholders in 1 to 2
weeks after the Defense
date.
March Send Scholarly
Project Book to
committee – (NLT 2
weeks prior to
presentation)
Presentation date -
2 weeks
Allows time for editing
and review.
April 19-23 Present Scholarly
Project
o Power-point
presentation
(30-45
minutes)
o Q&A (15-30
minutes)
o Private
committee
deliberation
o Meet with
student to
provide
approval/
changes
Students should have
given a dry run to peers
and to their Chair prior to
the Defense date.
Will require coordination
with Committee
members
DNP Project Handbook 24
April Revise Report
incorporating
Committee feedback
1-2 weeks
Last week of
April
Submit revised Report
to Chair for review
Once approved can
disseminate and upload
into repository.
April/May Disseminate the
outcomes to the
project site
As organized with site.
May Submit Manuscript to
selected Journal
May Submit the final copy
of DNP Book to
Clinical Project
Coordinator
May Graduation!
DNP Project Handbook 25
Appendix C
Proposal Content
The following headings are required but additional items may be added, as needed. Use APA
formatting for all headings as appropriate.
Cover page
Table of contents
Abstract
Introduction
Background and significance
Problem statement
Clinical PICO(T) question
Review of Literature
Literature results and summary
Gaps or shortcomings in the literature
Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
Methodology
Purpose
Hypothesis (if applicable)
Definition of terms
Design
Sample/Subjects
Setting
Tools/Measures
Data analysis plan
Significance and/or implications to nursing
Summary
References
Appendices
DNP Project Handbook 26
Appendix D
Proposal Presentation/Paper Evaluation Form
All DNP Projects require formal presentation to the DNP Team. Following the presentation, the
DNP team will complete this evaluation. Students and DNP Team members are advised to keep
a copy for their records. Level 3 or higher is required on all components.
Full Title of DNP Project:
Student:
Date of Presentation:
1 = Very poorly 2 = Poorly 3 = Good 4 = Very Good 5 = Excellent
Component 1 2 3 4 5 Comments
Cover page, Table of Contents,
Abstract (≤ 250 words), APA
format used
Introduction
Basic overview of project, describes
how project will change practice
and impact healthcare outcomes.
Project must have a systems (micro-,
meso-, macro-) or
population/aggregate focus.
Background and Significance
The problem or gap is clearly identified.
Description of problem/gap includes
population affected, what is currently known
about the problem/gap, why the audience
should care, and any further research that the
problem/gap requires.
Significance explains impact
of the problem/gap on
population, cost, policy,
education, healthcare systems,
and beyond.
DNP Project Handbook 27
Problem Statement
Problem is clearly stated and
summarized. Scope of project is
realistic and appropriate to DNP
practice.
Clinical Question
Student describes an answerable clinical
question related to problem/gap in terms
of PICO(T)
Review of Literature
Literature results and summary directly
relate to posed Clinical Question.
Databases used, key terms, and search
strategies are described. Written
summary is concise.
Student articulates gaps or shortcomings
in the literature.
Conceptual or Theoretical Framework The theory/framework for the project is
described and applicable to
operationalizing the project. A concept
map is presented.
Methodology
Student articulates gaps or shortcomings in
the literature.
Purpose/hypothesis clearly stated. Terms
defined.
Setting, study population, and recruitment
strategy are clearly described. Includes
consent procedure, risk/harms to
participants, and cost/compensation for
participants.
Implementation methods/tools/measures are
appropriate and clearly described.
Study intervention(s) is/are described in
detail. Progress Indicators/Outcomes to be
measured are relevant to the project.
Data Analysis Plan
An evaluation plan for the DNP project
process is included.
DNP Project Handbook 28
Evaluation tools, measures, and instruments
match project type.
Plan for sustainability is articulated
(financial, systems, or political realities, not
only theoretical abstractions).
Significance and/or Implications to Nursing
Significance/implications of data to nursing
practice and/or outcomes are clearly
described.
Recommendations/Implications addressed
for problem statement, supporting
organization, key stakeholders, other
settings, and student.
Summary, References, Appendices
Summary provides response to Clinical
Question.
APA format followed appropriately; writing
is scholarly and clear; appropriate for
doctoral level education.
Appendices included are relevant to project
work.
Comments:
Describe Corrective Actions if Revisions Required:
☐Approved as Presented ☐Approved with Minor Revisions ☐Reject Proposal
Student Signature:
DNP Project Handbook 29
Appendix E
Proposal Approval Form
DNP Project Handbook 30
Appendix F
Team Member Appointment Form
DNP Project Handbook 31
Appendix G
Poster Requirements
▪ Full Title of Project
▪ Student as First Author followed by Chair, Team members (depends on a variety of
factors - discuss with your chair before you print)
▪ Introduction/Abstract of 250 words or less
▪ Methods
▪ Results
▪ Discussion
▪ Short reference list in APA format
▪ Student contact information
Click template to download the poster template.
DNP Project Handbook 32
Appendix H
DNP Final Project Book Requirements
○ Cover page
○ Abstract
○ Acknowledgements (as desired)
○ Table of Contents
○ Chapter 1. Introduction
■ Background and significance
■ Problem statement
■ PICO(T)/Research question
○ Chapter 2. Review of Literature
■ Literature results and summary
■ Gaps or shortcomings in the literature
○ Chapter 3. Methodology
■ Purpose & PICO(T)/Research question
■ (Hypothesis if applicable)
■ Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
■ Definition of Terms
■ Design
■ Sample/Subjects
■ Setting
■ Tools/Measures
■ Protection of Human Subjects
○ Chapter 4. Results
■ Purpose & PICO(T)/Research question
■ Present outcomes, facilitators/barriers and how addressed
■ Figures/Tables
■ Do not interpret/discuss your data just present it here
■ Do not just throw data at us, make it logical and meaningful (match it to your purpose)
○ Chapter 5. Discussion
■ Purpose & PICO(T)/Research question
■ Strengths and limitations
■ Future opportunities
■ Significance and/or implications to Advance Practice Nursing
○ References
○ Appendices
○ Not necessarily in this order (refer to in book, as necessary):
■ PRISMA Flowsheet for Literature Review (as required by chair)
■ Literature Table/Matrix (as required by chair)
■ HPRB/IRB proposal
■ HPRB/IRB approval/exemption
■ HPRB/IRB amendments
■ HPRB/IRB closeout (as required)
■ Informed Consent Paperwork (as required)
■ Final Project Poster (as a pdf)
■ Journal Article submission with author guidelines
■ Final Project Presentation (6 slides per page as pdf)
■ Grant/Funding Application (as required)
■ Grant/Funding Award (as required)
■ Repository embargo form (required)
DNP Project Handbook 33
Appendix I
DNP Project Presentation Slide Theme
Click on the presentation to download template.
DNP Project Handbook 34
Appendix J
Final DNP Project Evaluation Form
All DNP Projects require a Final Book, Poster, and Presentation to the DNP Team. Following
the presentation, the DNP team will complete this form. Students and DNP Team members are
advised to keep a copy for their records. Level 3 or higher is required on all components.
Full Title of DNP Project:
Team Members
Student:
DNP Chair:
DNP Team Member:
DNP Team Member:
DNP Team Member:
Date of Presentation:
FINAL DNP PROJECT BOOK
1 = Very poorly 2 = Poorly 3 = Good 4 = Very Good 5 = Excellent
Component 1 2 3 4 5 Comments
Cover page, Table of Contents,
Abstract (≤ 250 words), APA
format used. Earlier components
reflect past-tense.
Updated from Project Proposal
Introduction
DNP Project Handbook 35
Basic overview of project, describes
how project will change practice
and impact healthcare outcomes.
Project must have a systems (micro-,
meso-, macro-) or
population/aggregate focus.
Background and Significance
The problem or gap is clearly identified.
Description of problem/gap includes
population affected, what is currently known
about the problem/gap, why the audience
should care, and any further research that the
problem/gap requires.
Significance explains impact
of the problem/gap on
population, cost, policy,
education, healthcare systems,
and beyond.
Problem Statement
Problem is clearly stated and
summarized. Scope of project is
realistic and appropriate to DNP
practice.
Clinical Question
Student describes an answerable clinical
question related to problem/gap in terms
of PICO(T).
Review of Literature
Literature results and summary directly
relate to posed Clinical Question.
Databases used, key terms, and search
strategies are described. Written
summary is concise.
Student articulates gaps or shortcomings
in the literature.
Conceptual or Theoretical Framework The theory/framework for the project is
described and applicable to
operationalizing the project. A concept
map is presented.
DNP Project Handbook 36
Methodology
Student articulates gaps or shortcomings in
the literature.
Student articulates gaps or
shortcomings in the literature.
Purpose/hypothesis clearly stated. Terms
defined.
Setting, study population, and recruitment
strategy are clearly described. Includes
consent procedure, risk/harms to
participants, and cost/compensation for
participants.
Implementation methods/tools/measures are
appropriate and clearly described.
Study intervention(s) is/are described in
detail. Progress Indicators/Outcomes to be
measured are relevant to the project.
Results
Data is clearly presented. Findings linked to
problem statement and evaluation plan.
Data analysis is appropriate to the project.
Tables and Figures are clearly summarized.
Discussion
Student ties together literature, results, and
overall summation of findings.
Includes Implications for:
- Clinical Practice
- Healthcare Policy
- Quality and Safety
- Education
- Other as related to Project
Strengths and limitations of project are
addressed, including key facilitators and
barriers that impacted project objectives.
DNP Project Handbook 37
Plans for future opportunities/scholarship are
articulated.
Summary, References, Appendices
Summary provides closure to all elements of
the DNP Project.
APA format followed appropriately; writing
is scholarly and clear; appropriate for
doctoral level education.
Appendices expanded to include all relevant
tables, figures, and project-related materials.
FINAL DNP POSTER
1 = Very poorly 2 = Poorly 3 = Good 4 = Very Good 5 = Excellent
Component 1 2 3 4 5 Comments
Required Content is Present:
Full Title of Project with Student as first
author, followed by Chair, Team
Members.
Introduction/Abstract
Methods
Results
Discussion
Short reference list in APA format
Student contact information
Overall visual appeal
Cover page, Table of Contents,
Abstract (≤ 250 words), APA
format used. Earlier components
reflect past-tense.
Updated from Project Proposal.
DNP Project Handbook 38
Results:
- Data is clearly presented - Data analysis is appropriate to
project - Tables and Figures are clearly
summarized
Discussion:
Student ties together literature, results, and
overall summation of findings.
Includes implications for:
- Clinical practice
- Healthcare policy
- Quality and Safety
- Education
- Other as related to Project
Plans for future opportunities/
scholarship are articulated.
Summary: provides closure to all elements
of DNP Project.
References: Short reference list in APA
format included.
Appendices: expanded to include all
relevant tables, figures, and project-related
materials.
FINAL DNP PRESENTATION
1 = Very poorly 2 = Poorly 3 = Good 4 = Very Good 5 = Excellent
Component 1 2 3 4 5 Comments
DNP Project Handbook 39
Formal Presentation of DNP Project:
Presentation is presented on PLU School
of Nursing slides and includes all relevant
aspects of the project.
The student’s appearance and presentation
skills meet doctoral expectations.
Student Response to Challenges.
The student responds appropriately to
all questions from the DNP Team.
The student responds appropriately to all
questions from the Public.
Comments:
Describe Corrective Actions if Revisions Required:
Select the Outcome of the Presentation:
☐Approved as Presented ☐Approved with Minor Revisions ☐Reject Project
Student Signature:
DNP Chair Signature:
DNP Team Member Signature:
DNP Team Member Signature:
DNP Team Member Signature:
Date:
DNP Project Handbook 40
DNP Project Handbook 41
Appendix K
Final DNP Project Approval Form
DNP Project Handbook 42
Appendix L
Embargo Form